What vital sign abnormalities might indicate sepsis in an elderly patient?

Hypotension and tachycardia are critical vital sign abnormalities that can indicate sepsis, especially in elderly patients. In sepsis, the body responds to an infection by releasing various substances intended to fight the infection but can ultimately lead to widespread inflammation and vasodilation. This process often results in a drop in blood pressure, or hypotension, because of insufficient vascular resistance to maintain adequate circulation.

Simultaneously, the heart compensates for the reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery by increasing its rate, leading to tachycardia. This compensatory mechanism can be particularly pronounced in elderly patients, who might not exhibit typical fever responses due to their altered immune response. Thus, the combination of hypotension and tachycardia is a key indicator of sepsis and warrants immediate medical evaluation and intervention.

Other options present vital sign combinations that do not align with the classic presentation of sepsis. For instance, high fever and bradycardia may indeed indicate other conditions but are not typical in the context of sepsis. Hypothermia and tachypnea can be observed in some septic cases, but hypotension and tachycardia are more definitive indicators. Lastly, normal blood pressure paired with tachycardia lacks the vital sign abnormalities